Apparatus for treating the scalp.



No. 861,349. PATENTED JULY 30, 1907.

R. E. BEAUBIBN.

APPARATUS FOR TREATING THHSGALP.

APPLICATION FILED 3.9. 1906.

I III/III mv MM UNITED sTAT s ATENT OFF-ICE.

ROBERT E. BEAUBIEN', OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO HERBERT F.HANSON, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

APPARATUS FOR TREATING THE SGALP.

I Specification of Letters Patent.

Passed July so, 1907.

Application filed April 9, 1906. Serial No. 310,618-

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, ROBERT E. BEAULBIEN, a citizen of the United States,residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Treatingthe Scalp, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to apparatus for promoting the growth of hair uponthe human head and its general object is to provide means for applyingsimultaneously three well known and efficient agents for accomplishingthe desired result, namely, cupping, massage and electricity.

The chief objects of my invention are :to provide a more efficientpneumatic apparatus for producing active hyperaemia of the scalp thanthose in ordinary use; to provide a pneumatic apparatus to beapplied tothe head that will be more comfortable to the user; to provide apneumatic contrivance adapted 'to be placed upon the head that shallhave a more effective and comfortable means for producing pressurecontact between the'shell of the deviceand the users'head; to produce apneumatic helmet having means for preventing an excessive degree ofrarefaction; to provide a pneumatic device of the character statedhaving means by which the patient may determine when the requisiteamount of pressure has been reached; to produce a pneumatic deviceprovided with means for adjusting it to heads of different sizes withoutvariation in the air pressure; to produce a pneumatic helmet havingmeans by which it can be removed instantaneously and without discomfortto the patient; to produce a vacuum helmet having means for permittingthe patient to move or walk about without interfering with thetreatment; to produce an apparatus having means for applying medicatedlotions to the scalp coincident with the increase in hyperaemia causedby the combined vacuum and electrical devices, thus insuring a moreeffective result; to produce an apparatus having means for applyingmassage to the scalp in the presenceof rarefied air; to produce anapparatus having means for applying an electric current to the scalp invacuo; to produce a combined apparatus of the character describedprovided with insulation bynon-conductors thus forcing the electriccurrent in a predetermined direction; to produce a combined vacuum,massage and electric apparatus for treating the scalp, of light weightand capable of being folded and packed into a small compass fortransportation; to provide a combined vacuum, massage and electricappliance for treating the scalp that can be easily and readily puttogether when disassembled; to produce a combined pneumatic, massage andelectrical appliance that can be readily adjusted and operated by-thepatient himself while undergoing treatment. I accomplish these andother'minor results by means of the apparatus shown in the accompanyingdrawing and forming a part of this application, in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of my improved apparatus; Fig. 2 is alongitudinal sectional view of the same; Fig 3 is a sectional viewenlarged of the exhaust valve; FigA is a sectional view, enlarged, ofthe inflation valve, and Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view,enlarged. showing the construction of the safety valve.

The main contention in the effort to stimulate the hair follicles whichhave become dormant is that active hyperaemia must be produced. Thiscondition of hyperzemia or dilation of the minute capillaries andarterioles may be brought about in various ways. Thus the application ofmassage, friction, electricstimulation and the use of atmosphericpressure each have their advocates and are all applicable in thetreatment of baldness. Heretofore these agents have been used singly andit is for the purpose of combining the advantages of ,all three of theseforces, that the improved apparatus hereinafter described has beendevised.

An objectionable feature found in the ordinary vacuum helmet is themethod of suspension which is from the top of the helmet, or by aninternal support resting upon the summit of the cranium. By the firstmethod the patient is required to exert a downward force to prevent thehead from being forced deeply within the cap, In the second method thewhole force of the atmospheric pressure is brought to bear upon thecranial vertex, and no matter how carefully padded the circulation inthat portion of the scalp will be interfered with, defeating theparamount object of the contrivance.

In the devices'with which I am acquainted there is no provision made forpreventing undue atmospheric pressure from over-exhaustion of the air,which, if carried to an extreme may result in rupture of blood vessels.Another source of untoward effects is the use of a heavy rubber bandaround the head to serve as a sort of packing between the head and therim of the helmet to prevent leakage of air. This band will invariablyinterfere with the circulation of blood to and from the scalp, and theparts above this constriction will soon show signs of congestion.

It should be borne in mind that the important point is to produce anunimpeded flow of blood through the capillaries while in fact the.appliance mentioned militates against the production of this mostdesirable condition. Unless the rarefaction of air is carried to acertain point, the resulting vacuum will not cause a proper dilation ofthe bloodvessels to produce a free circulation and if carried above acertain degree, rupture of capillaries will invariably take place asmanifested by tiny pin points of red. In order to guard against thisinjurious result I have devised a safety valve which will maintain thepropcr relation between the external and internal air pressure onthehelmet. As a still" fur:

' ther precaution against excessive exhaustion of the air,

. comfort. Below this point no damage can ensue.

Instead of the heavy rubber band used in other vacuum appliances for thescalp which must be drawn very tight in order to exclude the air, andwhich causes such aconstriction of the vessels as to effectually preventthe inflow and outflow of blood to the scalp, I apply a pneumatic tubeor ring of special and peculiar construction. This tube is attached tothe lower edge of the helmet shell by means of a. clamp hereinafterdescribed. 011 its outer aspect the walls of this tube are thickenedwhile on the inner surface where it comes in contact with the scalp theyare thin and soft. By inflating this tube it immediately closes aroundthe head, conforming perfectly to the inequalities on the surface of thescalp,.re quiring a minimum pressure to exclude the air thus permittinga free circulation of bloodv to and from the scalp. My method ofconstructing this pneumatic ring permits the use of a much smaller tubethan would otherwise be required, the distension being principally onthe side next to the scalp, thus insuring the proper adjustment to headsof different sizes, the necessary pressure not being appreciably greateron a large head than a smaller one, if within the field of theappliance, and the adjustment is entirely under the control of theoperator who can carry the inflation of the ring to just the rightpointfor comfort, using the minimum pressure requisite for excluding theair. The air pump having been removed, the-appliance can be instantlyreleased from engagement with the head by pressing upon the valve stemwhich projects from the inflation 5 valve thus deflating the ring.

The helmet is supported in the correct position by means of adjustablerods with which it can be secured at the proper height for long or shortnecks and no effort of the patient is required to maintain it in aproper position.' The supporting rods run down to the shoulder wherethey are attached to shoulder rests which are self running thrdughguides and dropping down in front of the patient within convenientreachof his hands. The sponge can be made to alternately rotate rapidlyin opposite directions by means of the cord, the soft sponge or padresting upon the scalp so lightly that it will not injure the scalp northe tender hair shoots that, by rougher manipulation, may be injured ordestroyed. The massage is applied at the time when the cells amid thenetwork of capillaries are distended by the increased circulation ofblood, aiding the accelerated flow to remove the dead cells. Thelightest touch of the sponge under these conditions will move the cellsaround the hair follicles more effectively than the most vigorousmassage with the helmet removed.

Antiseptic or medicated lotions may be applied to the scalp bysaturating the sponge orpad therewith, the condition of hypereemia beingespecially favorable for the absorption of such application, and shouldany solution remain upon the scalp when the helmet is removed it will beforced by atmospheric pressure into the pores. I

Any desirable form of electrical battery or current may be used to applythat therapeutic agent. When the galvanic or faradic current is employeda cord from one pole of the battery, will be connected to the heljnetand the other to a plate upon which one foot of the cap or helmetprovided with an exhaust tube 7 which may be attached to an air pump ofany desired form and is provided with a check valve 7. Surrounding theinner margin of said helmet is a flexible tube 8, preferably of rubber,the outer walls 9 being formed ,of comparatively thick material, theinner wall 10 being thinner. An'inflation tube 11 communicates with theinterior of said tube 8 and is provided at its outer end with a checkvalve 12, of well known form having screw threads 13 for attachment to asuitable air pump.

The helmet is provided with a safety valve consisting of a flat spring15, secured to the helmet wall and having a disk 16 of suitablematerial, secured thereto and serving as an obturator for a foramen 17formed in the wall of the'helmet.- A shaft 18 bearing a flanged pulley19 on its upper end penetrates the vertex of the helmet and is journaledin aboss 20 provided with a cap 21 which forms a stuffing box which isfilled with suitable packing 22. To the lowerend of said shaft issecured a curved flexible strip 23 to which a flat disk 24 of someporous material, preferably sponge, is removably all tached by means ofpockets 25 secured to the sponge with which the ends of the flexiblestrip 23 engage. The shaft 18 and its attachments have a vertical move-'ment in its bearings and may be rotated by means of a cord 26 passingthrough guides 26 -secured to the helmet, and provided with handles 27.v

To the boss 20 is fixed a binding post 28 to which an electric cord 29is attached. Upon the exterior lateral faces of the helmet are securedsleeves 30, through which passsu'pporting rods 31 adjustably secured bythumb screws 32 which engage notches 33 in said rods. The lower ends ofthe latter are provided with shoulder rests 34 secured to the rods byginglymoid joints'35, and covered interiorly, and upon the margins byinsulating material 36, preferably of soft rubber.

The lower margin of the helmet shell isturned outwardly to form a flange37 over which is drawn the external portion of the flexible tube 8 andsecurely held thereon by means of an annular clamp 38, the ends of saidclamp being firmly held in apposition by clips 39 provided with holes 40for the insertion of screws or rivets.

It is obvious that many changes may be made in the devices of myinvention as herein set forth, without departing from the spirit andscope thereof, and I do not, therefore, desire to be limited to theprecise construction shown.

Having thus described my invention, what I clai is:

1. In apparatus for the purpose specified including a cupping device, arevoluble electrode extending through the wall of the cupping device,means for connecting said electrode in circuit with an electricconductor, and means for revolving said electrode.

2. in apparatus for the purpose specified, including a cupping device, arevoluble electrode extending through the walls of the cupping device,an absorbent covering for the electrode, means for connecting theelectrode in circuit with an electric conductor, and means for revolvingsaid electrode.

3. An apparatus for the purpose specified including a cupping device, anelectrode revolubly mounted in said device, a removable absorbentcovering for the electrode, means for connecting said electrode incircuit with an electric conductor, means for revolving said electrodeand means for preventing rarefaction of air in the interior of saidcupping device beyond a predetermined degree.

.4. An apparatus for the purpose specified including a cupping devicefor the head, an electrode adapted to engage the cranium, a removableabsorbent covering for the electrode, means for connecting saidelectrode in circuit with an electric conductor, means for revolvingsaid electrode and means for automatically preventing rarefaction of airin the interior of said cupping device beyond a predetermined degree.

5. An apparatus for the purpose specified including a compartmentadapted to be applied to the head, means for producing rarefaction ofthe air in said compartment, means for automatically limiting the degreeof said rarefactiori, means for preventing the entrance of air'betweenthe head of the patient and the margin of the said compartment, anelectrode adapted to engage the cranium, a removable absorbent coveringfor the electrode, means for connecting said electrode in circuit withan electric conductor, means for revolving said electrode and means forautomatically preventing rarefaction of air in the interior of saidcupping device beyond a predetermined degree.

6. An apparatus for the purpose specified including a compartmentadapted to inciose the upper portion of the cranium, means for creatinga partial vacuum in said compartment, means for applying friction to theinclosed integument, means for applying an electric current to the partsand means for supporting the appliance.

7. An apparatus for the purpose specified including a compartmentadapted to inclose the upper portion of the head, means for creating apartial vacuum in said compartment, means for automatically limiting therarefaction of air in the compartment, a revoluble electrode in circuitwith an electric conductor, an absorbent covering for said electrode,and means for supporting the apparatus upon the body of the patient.

8'. An apparatus for the purpose specified including a compartmentadapted to inclose the upper portion of. the

head, means for exhausting the air from said compartment, means forexcluding the external atmosphere when the internal air becomesrarefled,'means for preventing the production of rarefaction of airbeyond a certain predetermined degree, a revolubleelectrode in circuitwith an electric conductor, an absorbent covering l'or said electrode,and means for supporting the apparatus upon the shoulders of thepatient.

9. An apparatus for the purpose specified, including a vacuum helmet torthe head, means for creating a partial vacuum in said helmet, means toprevent carrying the rarefaction beyond a certain predetermined limit, arevoluble electrode extending through the wall of the helmet, aremovable absorbent covering for the electrode, means for revolving theelectrode, an electric conductor in circuit with the said electrode andmeans tor insulating the apparatus from the patient.

10. An apparatus for the purpose specified including a vacuum helmetapplicable to thehead, means for creating a partial vacuum in saidhelmet, means to prevent carrying limit, a revoluble electrode extendingthrough the wall of the helmet, a removable absorbent covering attachedto the said electrode, means for revolving said electrode, an electricconductor in circuit with the said electrode, means for insulating theapparatus from the patient, and adjustable supporting means for thehelmet consisting of insulated shoulder pads pivotally connected tovertical rods having slldable engagement with sleeves attached to thehelmet and means for locking the rods in adjusted position.

11. An apparatus for the purpose specified including a vacuum helmetadapted to cover the upper portion of the head, an exhaust tubecommunicating with the interior of said helmet, a foramen formed in thewall of the helmet, a yielding obturator for said foramen, a flexibletube surrounding the margin of said helmet, an inflation valvecommunicating with the interior of said flexible tube,

means for attaching said inflation valve to an air-pump, a I

shaft piercing the vertex of said helmet carrying a pulley upon itsexternal end and furnished with an absorbent pad upon' its internalextremity, means for rotating said shaft, a plurality of sleeves securedto the external wall of the helmet, supporting rods adapted to engagesaid sleeves,

means for adjusting said rods in the sleeves, shoulderrests pivotallysecured to the lower ends of said rods, insulating pads secured to saidshoulder-rests and a binding post adapted to engage an electricconductor secured to the vertex of said helmet.

12. An apparatus for the purpose specified including a vacuum helmetadapted to engage the upper portion of the head, an exhaust tubecommunicating with the interior of said helmet, a check valve for saidexhaust tube, a foramen formed in the wall of the helmet and furnishedwith a yielding obturator, a flexible tube removably surrounding themargin of said helmet, said, flexible tube being formed with acomparatively thinner inner wall, an inflation tube communicating withthe interior of said flexible tube, a check valve for said inflationtube, means for attaching the inflation tube to an air-pump, a shaftjournaled in the vertex of said helmet, a packing box for said shaft, :1pulley mounted upon the external end of the shaft, and a porous padremovably attached to the internal end, a flexible cord engaging saidpulley and provided with handles fixed to its ends, a plurality ofsleeves secured to the external wall of the helmet, supporting rodsadapted to adjustably engage said sleeves, shoulder rests flexiblysecured to the ends of said rods, insulating pads removably secured tosaid to said shoulder rests and a binding post secured to the vertex ofsaid helmet and adapted to engage an electric conductor.

13. A helmet, means for exhausting the air from the helmet when inoperative position, an inflatable tube se cured to the rim of saidhelmet and extending within the latter, and means for inflating anddeflating said tube.

14. A helmet adapted to be applied to the human head, means forexhausting the air from the interior of said helmet, a flexible tube.interposed between the head of the user and the helmet, means forinflating said tube with air 10 an inflatable tubearrang and adjustablemeans for supporting said helmet consisting of shoulder pads havinghinged connection with rods which are adjustable in sleeves attached tothe helmet.

15. A helmet adapted to he applied to the human head two witnesses.

of the helmet, said tube having its walls of varying thickness, for thepurpose set forth, and means for inflating and deflating said tube.

In testimony whereot I affix my signature in presence 0! ROBERT E.BEAUBIEN.

Witnesses:

F. BENJAMIN, E. P. Hanson.

